Q&A

Sorry you are having trouble reaching a person to talk with. I am a realtor here in Bakersfield with McKinzie Nielsen Real Estate. You can call me 661-809-3388, I am certain I can help with all your real estate questions.

Yes, but you have to be very aggressive and be willing to do cosmetic work. Your talking a price range of approx. 80-85K depending on closing costs. Do you already have your lending situated? That is something you would have to do first. If you do not have anyone, I can refer you to a good lender. If you are not working with an agent, I can help you with that also. Just let me know.

You can check out crime statistics at the bottom of each listing on Trulia's website.
Also, you can call the Bakersfield Police Department 661-327-7111 and ask them about crime in the area.
A Realtor is not authorized to answer a question like that, a buyer must do their own research on an area they are interested in living.

The best person to ask is your loan officer, they can review your credit and let you know how to go about a rapid rescore. Scores are affected by paying on time and by lowering balances to below 50% of your credit limits. Do not close accounts, that lowers scores.... more

I am fairly certain you can. The best person to ask, though, is a mortgage lender. I don't mean one of the big banks, but a company who specializes in writing mortgages, Annie Mac Mortgage and Residential Home Funding are two names that come to mind. If you don't know one, call a local real estate agent and ask to be referred. The agent will be happy to help.... more

Please call RE/MAX Magic and ask for our Property Management Department. They can tell you whether there are home available in those areas. The phone number for that department is 661-735-1511.... more

There are some loan programs that allow alternative credit to be built...using cell phone bill, car insurance bill, rent, utilities. You could also start building your credit with a secured credit card.... more

I need to speak with you to obtain additional information on your mobile home and meet with you so I can see it to establish market value and get the necessary papers signed. We can have it on the market right away once this is done.. Please call me. I can meet with you today or tomorrow at your convenience. Dee Oliver RE/MAX Magic 661-747-7743... more

Here are the wait times to get a home loan after short sale:
1. VA - 2 yrs
2. Conventional 20% down 3 yrs
3. FHA 3 yrs

In the rare case of an extenuating circumstance, sometimes you can get a FHA or VA loan immediately. The extenuating circumstance has to be something major where you were force to sell because of a major illness that can be fully documented or a job transfer. A loss of job, divorce, etc...will generally not work for the extenuating circumstance.

Make sure you check when the deed transferred out of your name, that is the date to begin counting. Contact me if you would like me to look it up.... more

If the property is your principal residence, the loan amount is less than $729,000, and the loan was originated prior to January 2009, and you can demonstrate hardship, that's pretty much all you need to satisfy.

This is the first I've heard that someone was denied HAFA due to unfavorable credit report. I'm not aware that the short sale lender would even look at your credit report. If they are going to, it is not to find out if you qualify for a loan.

I really can't think of anything. The only thing that might remotely be an issue is if your credit score is say 800 and you are trying to explain them you have actual hardship. Still, that is unusual.... more

Yes, a few of them. Some make you pay the money back and some even allow the money to be gifted to you over time. Your credit score will determine the one that can work for you. Call me and I would be glad to point you in the right direction to get a loan that works for you. Then I can help find you a home that meets your requirements.
Adrian Diniz/ Broker
CityRealEstateGroup.com
661-201-4655... more

Rent rates are high these days because rentals are in high demand. I suggest calling a few property management comapnies to see what types of rentals they have available and how much they are asking for rent.... more

Depending on which bank owns the home, you will most likely need to wait until it is listed for sale. If is a locak bank you can check their website to see if they provide a list of available homes.
Your best bet is to find an agent to watch for when the home goes on the market and assist you with your purchase.
Best of luck.
Lisa Jones
ERA Tom Grizzard... more